Pietersen recalled for India tour

The "rehabilitation process" has been successfully completed, and Kevin Pietersen has been welcomed back into England’s touring party for the Test series in India. The long summer stand-off between the batsman and the England authorities over Pietersen’s "provocative" text messages seems to have reached a satisfactory compromise.

Pietersen had flown in for discussions with coach Andy Flower, new England Test captain Alastair Cook and other senior players. He then rejoined the Delhi Daredevils in advance of their Champions League match.

"We were keen that Kevin should hold a series of face-to-face meetings with team management and senior players before the Test squad departs for the UAE and India next week," Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, said. "The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved. All the England players and management are now keen to draw a line under this matter and fully focus on the cricketing challenge that lies ahead in India."

England urgently need Pietersen’s experience in India. The retirement of Andrew Strauss and the expected loss of Ian Bell for the second Test when he returns home for the birth of his child, makes Pietersen’s inclusion all the more important. Selector Geoff Miller admitted as much.

"We are pleased to welcome a player of Kevin's proven international calibre back into the Test squad for such an important Test series," Miller said. "The team will benefit from having an extra batsman in the squad and all players who were originally selected for the tour will fly out as planned next week. Kevin will join up with the squad as soon as his Champions League commitments are complete."